The official Partnership between Perry Meridian High School and the Carl von Ossietzky Gesamtschule Köln (formerly Nippes Gesamtschule) was established in 2016 when then Principal Rolland Abraham and Mrs. Westerhouse (German Teacher) signed an official partnership in Cologne. Our first exchange took place in the fall of 2017 with 12 students traveling to Germany and 21 German students visiting Perry in the following spring. The students learned much from each other and lasting friendships were made. Many of whom are still ongoing. This years exchange will see 13 Perry students venturing to Germany from September 27th through October 19th. Follow along with our adventure on this blog.
Day 20 October 19th
Early morning start to Frankfurt Airport for our 8:35 am departure. I think everyone is ready to go home.
Day 19 October 18th
Last morning in Berlin. Packing and organizing before our 13:04 train ride to Frankfurt today.
A nearly five hour train ride brings out the meme war of 2019.
Final night in Frankfurt Dinner at Pizzeria Donna Terra and a Surprise.
Day 18 October 17th
Today we visited the Sachsenhausen Concentration Camp in Oranienburg just outside Berlin. While this camp largely was used for political prisoners and not as many Jewish people it will give the students a very good understanding of the Nazi persecution in Europe. After that we visited the East Side Gallery where sections of the Wall were left in place. On the west side is graffiti and on the east side are murals painting by varying groups/ artists in the 1990’s. Evening we walked the famous Kurfürstendamm (Ku’damm) shopping street, visited the Emperor Wilhelm Memorial Church and had a Group Dinner.
Day 17 October 16th
Return of dreary fall weather today rainy and cool. Luckily we are spending part of our Day on the museum island. Students were able to see five different museum exhibits. The Pergamon which houses the Ishtar gate and other Babylonian artifacts. The old museum which has a wonderful collection of Greek, Etruscan and Roman items. The old national museum and the Bode museum each displaying art from the 19th century and the late Byzantine era respectively.
After the museum we had lunch as a group and then everyone divided into smaller groups to enjoy the afternoon shopping or just hanging out. Some went vintage shopping near Alexanderplatz and some got their nails done. This was their opportunity to make any remaining gift purchases.
Day 16 October 15th
First full day in Berlin started rather interesting. As students were waiting for our time to go into the Reichstag (parliament) building a few came across some gypsies who were supposedly collecting money for deaf children. The thoughtful kids they are, went to their purses/bags to give a donation when the gypsies grabbed in their purse/bag and just took their money. They tried to go after them to get money back but were recalled by me as it was time to line up for entering the Reichstag. One had gotten $80 taken the other $20. I of course lectured them about not handing anyone in Berlin anything because most are grifters. As we were waiting to enter the Reichstag the students saw the same two girls nearby. Several of us went to them to retrieve the money when one took of as she saw police heading our way but we had the other one circled. Once the police came she returned the $80 but still refuted any wrong doing. Turns out that these groups of young gypsies are a major problem in the area but police are rarely able to get evidence and enough witness statements against them. Most of the time they manage to run away. Thanks to our students they have enough witness accounts and even pictures a student took against them to finally prosecute them.
Out Reichtags experience was great. Everyone learned about The German election process and general government and the history behind it.
Berlin Scavengerhunt
After lunch we divided into two teams and played the Berlin City scavenger hunt. Starting at the Reichstag building we learned some cool information about the various monuments and historical landmarks throughout Berlin. We learned for example that the Memorial to the murdered Jewish people contains 1177 rectangular cement blocks, that the Berlin Wall was 160 Kilometers long and that it separated the two Germanys from 1961 to 1989. The hunt ended at Checkpoint Charlie.
30 years Fall of the Wall Light Show
On the way back to the hotel we had the perfect end to our day a festive light show on the Brandenburger Tor.
Day 15 October 14th
Final good bye at train station. See you again in 6 months in Indy. Heading to Berlin.
First Evening in Berlin
We arrived at 2:10 pm in Berlin after a 4 hour train ride across Germany. After time to unpack and relax we ventured out into the city for some dinner. We took a leisurely walk along the Spree river and ended up at a German style restaurant.
Day 14 October 13th
Last full day in Cologne trips to Drachenfels and the Netherlands. Quality time with host families, laundry, last minute buying, and packing of course.
Day 13 October 12th
Free day with partners. Some of the students visited the Flora Gardens and then all met for a good bye dinner get together at 5 pm.
Day 12 October 11th
Free fun day for everyone to shop, explore and hang out. Mr. Ervin and Mrs. Westerhouse received a tour of the new school building.
Day 11 October 10th
Visit to the Police training facility in Brühl. We learned about the 100 men police ready unit. The state of North Rhine Westphalia has a total of 18 ready police units of which 3 are in the Cologne area. Cologne has also 3 technical tactical units .
PMHS GAPP Exchange 2019 